Dear Editor,

Check Mates Chess Club was formed in October, 2008, by a group of young children from the environs of Albouystown. Adrian Allicock represented the club at the recently concluded Guyana Junior Chess Champion-ship. He did reasonably well, having only started playing a few months before the competition. These children train under rough circumstances. We would appreciate it if someone could donate six chairs and three tables to help with the children’s  accommodation.

We also need to build a small shed. Mr Shiv Nandalall of Keishar’s has donated two chess sets to us, and we send to him sincere thanks. Mr Nandalall even comes periodically and plays, advises and teaches the players chess and its culture. He brought along Mr Errol Tiwari and Mr Arshad Mohamed to visit the club.

We are happy to read that the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport is so supportive of young Guyanese playing the ancient game of chess.

Most developed countries had in the past invested in their young people learning this game because there would be a benefit in terms of social behaviour and building the ethical fabric of our society. We continue to clip all Sunday articles by Mr E. Tiwari in the Stabroek News and special thanks to Stabroek News for that piece on chess.

We ask that anyone desirous of helping the club with literature on chess openings, middle games and endings, or tactics and strategies, or who would like to be included in our programme of assisting these children from a depressed area in learning the game with their expertise contact us on tel: 690-5372 − we will welcome them all.

I am sure in the future you will hear the names of Akeem Green, Adam Ramnarayan, John Dowridge and others whose chess skills and abilities are gaining momentum each day.

I would not want to explain the background of many of these youths, but some of their stories would bring tears to your eyes. Each day more are becoming interested. Mr Mike Perreira sometimes takes time off to help with the tutoring. On behalf of the children we would appreciate a visit from the reigning Guyanese National Champion Mr Kriskal Persaud.

Yours faithfully,
Jimmy Ramnarayan